The O.C. star and fashionista Mischa Barton will front Superdrug summer skin campaign and stress the need for protecting skin from sunlight, which can cause skin cancer.

Mischa Barton is the latest star to front high-street chain Superdrug’s skin awareness publicity drive designed to warn about the possible health risks of too much sun. British-born Mischa, 21, will pose for in-store posters in the campaign this summer to be launched in partnership with the Institute of Cancer Research.

The former star of teen soap The O.C. said: “I spend a lot of my life in the sun and know how important it is to be sun aware and protect your skin.

“I hope that my support of Superdrug’s important campaign will ensure everyone stays safe in the sun this summer whether at home, on holiday or even on the beaches of California.”

Superdrug will the provide the campaign with publicity and a cut of proceeds from its own-brand suncream sales.